Bloomsday celebrates the life and work of Irish writer James Joyce and his masterpiece novel Ulysses. The novel describes thoughts and feelings of a fictional character Leopold Bloom as he walked around Dublin on the 16th of June, 1904. That's why this date is observed annually in the Irish capital. Interestingly enough, Joyce chose this date deliberately as it was the date of his first rendezvous with his future wife Nora Barnacle.
Festival Highlights
Bloomsday Festival commemorates Joyce with a week-long celebration, which includes readings from Ulysses, reenactments, performances, excursions, and meals. Everything should contribute to recreating the atmosphere of Dublin in 1904. It is a sort of carnival with many people dressed up in Edwardian costumes and hats. In addition, the Bloomsday Film Festival celebrates the synergy between cinema, literature, and artistic innovation. Screenings take place at the historic James Joyce Centre, Irish Film Institute, and online.
Walking Tours
The 2024 Bloomsday edition includes daily Joyce’s Dublin Walking Tours, which begin at James Joyce Centre at 11 am. The two-kilometer walk ends at James Joyce Statue, North Earth Street, at 1 pm. Footsteps of Leopold Bloom Walking Tours start at James Joyce Centre daily at 2 pm. The tour traces the steps of Leopold Bloom, making his way through the city, from Middle Abbey Street to the National Library. Tickets are €20.
Pat Liddy Walking Tours is a good introductive experience to Ulysses and James Joyce heritage. The tour will take place on June 16, starting at the Gate Theatre on Cavendish Row at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets are €25.
Father John Conmee S.J. Walking Tour, retracing the steps of Father John Conmee S.J. in the “Wandering Rocks” episode of Ulysses, will be only available on June 16. Particpants meet in front of St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, at 10 am and 2:55 pm. Tickets are €15.
Rathgar Bloomsday Festival (June 15, 2024)
Rathgar Village Square hosts a vibrant celebration of all things Joyce. All fans can dress up in period clothes and gather at Rathgar Village Square to enjoy readings of Ulysses, live jazz music from Razzmajazz, food vendors, and children's activities,like face painting and Alpacas. The free event, which runs from noon to 4 pm, is sponsored by Dublin City Council and Rathgar Business Association.
Bloomsday at the James Joyce Centre (June 16, 2024)
Bloomsday Celebration at the James Joyce Centre is one of the main highlights of the festival. Organized by the city of Dublin, the event features music, readings and interesting exhibitions from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. The James Joyce Center offers free admission for the day, and everyone can come and see Leopold Bloom’s door from No. 7 Eccles Street, where everything started. Unique exhibitions, educational interactive guides, parlor rooms, and much more will be available to the general public. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their Edwardian garb to celebrate James Joyce's heritage and the spirit of Dublin!
Bloomsday at Sweny’s Pharmacy
Step back in time and imagine yourself a character of the fifth episode of Ulysses, called “Lotus Eaters.” Sweny’s Pharmacy, featured in this episode, still has all the original fixtures and fittings from 1847. During the festival, this authentic and atmospheric place hosts an array of activities, including a daily performance and reading of “Lotus Eaters” at 12:30 pm. On June 16, Sweny’s Pharmacy will host festivities all day long, starting with Bloomsday Breakfast at Kennedy’s Pub across the street at 10 am.
